If you’re heading to Europe this year, but you’re no longer charmed by Paris and its twinkling Eiffel Tower, London with its red telephone boxes, and Rome and its ancient sights, you should know you’re not the only one looking for alternatives to the usual tourism hotspots.
According to a new report by Omio, one of the main travel comparison and booking websites in Europe, capital cities may have had their moment last year, but in 2026, 21% of travelers are opting for lesser-known destinations.
A large number cited lower prices, fewer crowds, and unique attractions as their main reasons for choosing ‘smaller metropolises’, and as relayed by Omio, ‘second cities’ have risen 34% in popularity year-on-year.
If you’re unfamiliar with the terminology, a ‘second city’ is what we call an important hub in a country that is a main cultural center, and a sizable-enough urban heavyweight to rival the capital, though it is not the administrative heart.
For 2026, there are 5 leading second cities that are pushing up travel trends, and if you love medieval heritage and culture-rich city breaks, you won’t want to skip them:
(Plus, don’t miss our quiz at the end to find which city is perfect for you!)
Ghent, Belgium
With a 66% increase in demand, as per the Omio report, Ghent is rapidly becoming one of the trendiest destinations in Europe, and we can’t really blame tourists for coming here instead of a jam-packed, overpriced, and increasingly dangerous Brussels.
Home to a picture-perfect medieval center traversed by picturesque canals, a historic castle known for its deep moat and rampart views, and a UNESCO-listed belfry, it is one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets that the wider public is only just now starting to catch onto.
If you’re ever in town, make sure you head over to Stadsbrouwerij Gruut, a brewery serving Ghent’s popular herb-based, pre-hops beer, and explore the unique graffiti and boutique shops up and down the hippy haven of Werregarenstraat.
Antwerp, Belgium
The fourth-fastest rising secondary destination in Europe is yet another Belgian gem, and this time, the country’s second-largest: Antwerp is Brussels’ Flemish counterpart and a sprawling city with a real lived-in feel:
Its historic Old Town revolves around a postcard-ready Grote Markt, flanked by ornate guildhouses, and the cobbled streets that emanate from it lead to hidden courtyards and quirky chocolate shops. Towering above the well-preserved medieval maze, the Cathedral of Our Lady is a medieval Gothic marvel.
For the jewelry buffs out there, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Antwerp holds the title of Diamond Capital of the World, with Diamond District jewelers handling most of the rough diamonds that are commercialized. On top of that, the street food scene is unrivaled:
Trust us when we say, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried Frituur No. 1‘s Belgian fries.
Bari, Italy
Ranking third with a 85% rise in demand year-on-year, Bari sits among Italy’s most strategic Adriatic ports, and it stands out for its labyrinthine Old Town, locally known as Bari Vecchia: picture narrow, winding alleys, ancient Romanesque churches, and family-owned trattorie galore.
Europe’s longest uninterrupted promenade, Lungomare Nazario Sauro, stretches for a whopping 8 miles and offers sea vistas and cozy waterfront bars, and if you’re wondering what the signature Barese pasta is—every Italian city has one—that would be orecchiette.
Wandering down the cobblestone-paved Strada delle Orecchiette, you’ll come across Italian nonne making the ear-shaped pasta by hand on their front porches.
You can either buy a packet on the spot, or if you fancy trying orecchiette made by expert hands, Osteria Le Arpie is a mere 150 meters from the popular street.
Murcia, Spain
Step aside, Barcelona: the far more laid-back, sunnier, and equally beautiful Murcia, in the south of Spain, is Europe’s second-trendiest getaway this year. With a noteworthy 86% uptick in Omio searches, it is firmly on the average traveler’s radar.
Capital of the namesake region, Murcia is best known for its stately Plaza Cardenal Belluga, where a majority of its architectural showpieces are centered, including the richly decorated cathedral, the 18th-century Episcopal Palace, and the modern-era City Hall.
With over 320 days of sunshine every year, the Spanish suntrap is also one of the safest bets for heat-loving tourists come spring, and its proximity to beaches, most notably Playa de Los Alcázares, a sandy strip only 35 minutes’ drive away, makes it an easy city-and-sea combo.
Segovia, Spain
A short 25 min train ride from Madrid, Segovia is up in searches by 96% year-on-year, and that’s hardly a surprise considering it’s the quintessential European city break: from Roman ruins, to medieval castles, to beautiful imperial architecture, it ticks all of the boxes (and then some).
Ringing the city center, the Aqueduct of Segovia was built by the Romans in ancient times, and it’s a prominent feature of the town’s timeless skyline.
Rising high above the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece with a lavish interior, and packed with narrow passageways and café-bordered plazas, the Jewish Quarter is a must-see.
Segovia’s pride and joy, however, and perhaps the main reason why it’s dominating talks, is its Alcázar: the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Snow White castle, this tower-guarded stronghold perches dramatically atop rocky crags, and it truly looks like it belongs in a fairytale.
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